Cruden Bay

With the course opened in 1899, it has risen to take its place among Scotland's best. It?s a unique course that comes with one or two quirks - but these only add to its charm. The first tee takes its line off the distant silhouette of Slains Castle, inspiration and setting for Bram Stoker?s novel ?Dracula?. The markedly raised green at the first is something to get your teeth into early in the round.

The fourth is one of the great par 3s of Scottish golf. It measures only 136 yards yet in varying weather conditions it is very difficult to judge club selection. It?s also a delight on the eye with the Water of Cruden running along its left side and the delightful old fishing village of Port Ellon on the opposite bank. Over the rise the fifth is one of the most demanding par 4s on the course teeing blind over and through camel-back dunes to a rippling fairway that angles left. You drive this once and immediately want to do it again ? this time to find the fairway.

What follows is a roller coaster of excellent holes, each as different and as cunning as the one before. Only nature could have arranged such a test; Cruden Bay is not a long course with a standard scratch of 70 but this is more than made up for by the intricacy and brilliance of its dramatic setting.

Best Hole The 4th may only be 136 yards long but par is always respectable

Address: Aulton Road, Cruden Bay, Peterhead. AB42 0NN

Green Fees: Weekdays: £55 per round, £75 per day. Weekends: £65 per round.

Restrictions: Visitors welcome Monday to Friday and weekends although some restrictions apply and pre-booking is advised.

Tel: 01779 812414

Web: www.crudenbaygolfclub.co.uk